Author Topic: Do Sumptin For A Soldier - UPDATE (Read 2809 times)

Mark M · « **on:** July 29, 2003, 12:37:40 pm »

Hi Everyone

A while back I mentioned that my future son-in-law is fighting in Iraq. I got a letter from him yesterday and he mentioned that letters from home really build moral and helps them remember what they are fighting for. Well his birthday is August 20 and I thought it would be a kinda neat if he was to get a bunch of birthday cards from all over the place. I know this group is willing to help each other so if some of you would be willing to send Bob a card I would consider it a big favor and I know it would really brighten his day. Here is his address in case you want to send him a card or a short note. You might mention you know me from this group. FYI my last name is Mathys.

SPC Calavera, Robert J
C-Co 1-8 INF
Unit # 92598
Apo AE 09302-2598

Thanks

Mark

Jeff · « **Reply #1 on:** July 29, 2003, 12:39:19 pm »

I'll do it!

Norm · « **Reply #2 on:** July 29, 2003, 12:45:08 pm »

Sure thing Mark, we'll get one in the mail tomorrow.

Bibbyman · « **Reply #3 on:** July 29, 2003, 01:06:31 pm »

I just hope the mail service is better in Gulf War II than it was in Gulf War I. 18 months after our son came back we were still receiving returned mail - every inch covered with rubber stamps where it had been. Most of it never reached him and most of what didn't, didn't return.

He said if it was a package, they would call out the soldier's or sailor's name a couple of times at mail call and then someone, anyone would answer. Month old cookie crumbs from someone's Grandma. Yum!

Mark M · « **Reply #4 on:** July 29, 2003, 01:33:56 pm »

It's been pretty good, but still takes about 3 weeks. Bob still likes the cookies we send, even if a few have bites out of them

Mark

Jeff · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2003, 01:37:57 pm »

Since there are a lot of forum members that dont stray from certain boards, and I am certain would like to be included in Bob's Birthday, I will have the forum send a system email with a note so all registered members will see it.

sawwood · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2003, 04:56:06 pm »

You bet Mark, I will send one tomorrow. I remember when
I was in Vietnam thoes cards and letters made you a little
closer to home.

Sawwood

jwood · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2003, 05:40:39 pm »

mark i'd be pleased to send em something ..

Ron Scott · « **Reply #8 on:** July 29, 2003, 07:40:30 pm »

A card is in the mail with support for his military service!

Larry · « **Reply #9 on:** July 29, 2003, 08:58:31 pm »

Count me in to!

Chet · « **Reply #10 on:** July 29, 2003, 09:01:26 pm »

It's done-did-sent.

Mark M · « **Reply #11 on:** July 29, 2003, 09:26:58 pm »

Thanks everyone - I knew I count count on you folks

Mark

shopteacher · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2003, 05:49:39 am »

Hey Mark,
Do you have to put extra postage on the letter or card?
Thought I'd ship Bob a card, but wasn't sure if you only needed a stamp.

Mark M · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2003, 07:22:08 am »

Hi Shopteacher

No it's just normal postage. Thanks a lot for taking the time to send him a card.

Mark

OneWithWood · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2003, 07:53:36 am »

Sent him a note today. Any idea how lkong he will be over there?

Mark M · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2003, 08:46:28 am »

We thought he was going to get to come home in September but when I talked to him he said it would probably be April.

shopteacher · « **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2003, 09:51:18 am »

Bob's card is on its' way Mark.
Told him to keep his head down and his spirits high. We're all rooting for them and their safe return.

Bro. Noble · « **Reply #17 on:** July 30, 2003, 12:23:25 pm »

Mark,

I don't know if you have noticed how the subject gets changed around on this forum from time to time

I'm gonna talk about sawmilling now

My g-grandad had 21 kids and a lumber operation------from the logging to a retail lumber yard. In 1902 his house burned down so he told my grandad and some of the other boys to go cut some white oaks to make sills for the new house. The sills were laid green that same day. The house still stands today and is in excellent shape. One room of the old house is now the Drury/Vanzant Post Office.

When Bob gets my letter it will have passed through that old house.

Man the changes in this old world that that old house has seen----lots of letters were sent from that house to France during WWI when grandad and his brother Amos were in the infantry.

Keep us informed on Bob and your daughter as they are now part of our family too.

Mark M · « **Reply #18 on:** July 30, 2003, 03:44:24 pm »

Hi Noble

I hope you will tell Bob that story, it brought a tear to Cindy and my eyes.

Speaking of old houses, we just found out today that our loan was approved to buy a mansion with 15 bedrooms! My wife and I have been holding off because our kids are just about grown and we won't need as much room. So what do we do? we buy a house with 15 bedrooms! Here are a few pictures

http://www.pbase.com/mmathys/dis_old_house

Mark

C_Miller · « **Reply #19 on:** July 30, 2003, 04:04:49 pm »

Guess we know where next years picnic's gonna be.

C

Haytrader · « **Reply #20 on:** July 30, 2003, 06:34:01 pm »

Mark,

Card sent.
Second subject: Age and stairs.

(wouda said more but my typewriter is low on ink)

CHARLIE · « **Reply #21 on:** July 30, 2003, 08:09:09 pm »

Mark, a card will be in the mail in the morning. I sure appreciate what all those men and women over there are doing. And someday, hopefully the people of Iraq will appreciate it too.

A 19 year old girl from my little town of Dover just got sent home. She was a door gunner in a vehicle that got hit with a grenade or a bomb of some sort. She caught the schrapnel in the face. She's going through surgery in Texas now. Something like that really drives home the danger our soldiers are in.

A guy I worked with, that is over there, sent an e-mail and said the temp over there was about 114 degrees. So the conditions they are in aren't the most comfortable either.

Mark, thank you for giving me the opportunity to personally thank one of our soldiers over there.

WV_hillbilly · « **Reply #22 on:** July 30, 2003, 09:30:24 pm »

A card will be in the mail in the morning Mark.I hope he gets a great big smile on his face when they have to deliver his mail in a semi truck cause it's birthday cards and letters all for him.

Patty · « **Reply #23 on:** July 31, 2003, 11:14:35 am »

Dear Mark,

We sent out Bob's birthday card and hope he gets a chuckle out of the truckload of cards he will receive. As Charlie mentioned, it feels good to be able to thank one of our soldiers in person.

Nice house, by the way. Do you have plans for all those rooms (like a bed & breakfast) or do you and Cindy plan to use them all yourselves?

Patty

Jeff · « **Reply #24 on:** July 31, 2003, 12:14:09 pm »

It aint the house he was looking at when he decided to buy it. Its the tree standing next to it.

Minnesota_boy · « **Reply #25 on:** August 01, 2003, 08:10:00 pm »

When Mark moves that house back to Minnesota, he can probably leave the tree there.

WoodChucker · « **Reply #26 on:** August 02, 2003, 12:08:58 am »

Mark, a letter is on it's way.

pappy · « **Reply #27 on:** August 04, 2003, 03:50:32 pm »

Mark,
A letter is on the way, I feel honored to send a B-day card to one of our brave soldiers!!! We also included a picture of my wife and me holding our first granddaughter. It's because of the past and present soldiers of our country that we are able to enjoy the freedoms of today.

On another note I've been surfin' the Forestry Forum the last couple of weeks and this is going to be a great place to hang out at, sounds like the folks at the local coffee shop.

Gram, Pappy and Baby Kate.

P.S. Pics of the mini mill coming soon!!

Jeff · « **Reply #28 on:** August 04, 2003, 05:09:57 pm »

Welcome Termite. Jumped right in with a photo, how about that!

Ed_K · « **Reply #29 on:** August 04, 2003, 06:16:06 pm »

Mark, we sent out a b-card this morning

. I remember how nice it was to get something in the mail, when I spent time in Thailand, in 75. Trucked water to refuge's at the tent city at Utapao,AFB.
Ed K

Jeff · « **Reply #30 on:** August 18, 2003, 03:06:31 am »

2 more days. I wonder if he started getting any mail? Hope he gets some of it in time for his birthday.

Bigdogpc · « **Reply #31 on:** August 22, 2003, 01:58:02 am »

I was a little slow gettin' a card in the mail but I would imagine the stragglers will be just as much fun. I'd like to claim a "senior moment" for being slow 'cept I ain't quite old enough...just almost.

Mark M · « **Reply #32 on:** September 08, 2003, 10:59:57 am »

Today I got a letter from Bob and thought I would share some of it with the group. This was written on Aug 19, the day before his birthday. Thanks again to everyone for writing.

Mark

...I received 52 letters today along with 4 packages. I will write back to all these people to thank them. I needed the support now more than ever. The combat has increased this past week, along with this comes combat stress. I was to the point of breaking. The support you have given me is almost unimaginable. I can' thank you enough...

...I even got a picture from one couple holding their grandchild. They said I was the reason they had a grand child - because we stopped the terrorists..

...Just last night we got hit real bad. I had a few bullets come within inches of hitting me. You may thing thats crazy, but this is what I live for... I told my mother on the phone that I was still trying to make to see my 23rd birthday. Even though my birthday is tomorrow [Aug 20th] I am still trying to make it. There is a very thin line between life and death in my world.

shopteacher · « **Reply #33 on:** September 08, 2003, 01:45:46 pm »

Wow Mark,
There's some powerful sentiment there. I really feel for those guys and don't believe we even belong there. Every soldier lost in this war I feel is one that never should have happened. I served 68-72 and never thought we belonged there either. In the end I think my belief prevailed. Wish Bob all the luck you can for me and a safe return. Glad all of us could brighten his day just a little.

Fla._Deadheader · « **Reply #34 on:** September 08, 2003, 03:38:24 pm »

For once I don't know what to say

*DanG memories

Good going guys.

Patty · « **Reply #35 on:** September 08, 2003, 04:06:44 pm »

Mark,

The letter from Bob was really moving....brought tears to my eyes. Our sons, daughters, fathers, mothers...all of them serving us are so brave. They make me proud.

Let him know we are thinking of him, and pray for his safety.

Our fight for freedom and liberty will never be over as long as there are evil men in this world. I think our cause is noble and worth fighting for, I just wish we didn't have to die. It is a terrible price to pay, and I wish they would let me (an old person) serve our country instead of our children.

I'd really rather be dead than not have my freedom. I guess that is what being an American is all about isn't it.

Tell Bob we are very proud and forever grateful to him.

Patty

CHARLIE · « **Reply #36 on:** September 08, 2003, 08:22:41 pm »

Mark, thanks for sharing a portion of Bob's letter. It really makes me stop and be very thankful for men like him. What those men are doing is taking the war to the terrorist and keeping them from bringing their war to us again as they did on Sept 11th a couple of years ago. I'm a believer that a problem must be solved at it's source and can't be solved by reacting to it's symptoms. That is what our men are doing. Solving the terrorist problem at it's sources. We owe them a lot for doing this for us.

RavioliKid · « **Reply #37 on:** September 09, 2003, 04:43:00 am »

Mark,

What a moving letter! Thank you for sharing it.

I wrote down your future son-in-law's name and address, but then didn't get anything out to him. I wasn't home much this summer.

I'd like to send him a belated greeting. Is the address you gave in the first post in the thread still good?

pappy · « **Reply #38 on:** September 11, 2003, 08:44:29 pm »

shopteacher,Fla._Deadheader,Patty,CHARLIE,RavioliKid,

DITTO!!!

Mark, thanks for giving us a chance to thank one of our brave ones, I'm sure he shared his cards with his fellow troops and all were better for it!!

Gods speed Bob.

Mark M · « **Reply #39 on:** March 22, 2004, 12:27:00 pm »

About a year ago I mentioned that my future son-in-law was in Iraq fighting the war. A lot of you wrote to Bob and sent cards. I thought I would let you know that he got to come home a few weeks ago. He was supposed to return this week but he got an eye injury when a mortar exploded close to him. He was airlifted to Landsthul <sp?> in Germany where he spent about 2 weeks. It looks like his vision will be OK and he is now back on duty and doing well. He got to come home for about a week and had fun surprising everyone. Bob really appreciated all the support he got from everyone and said it was what helped him through the rough spots. I want to thank everyone again for writing to Bob.

Mark

PS - Bob reenlisted for another 4 years!

Patty · « **Reply #40 on:** March 22, 2004, 02:18:50 pm »

Glad to hear he is ok, Mark.
He sounds like a good man, one you'll be proud to claim as your new son-in-law.

and a man we all can be proud to claim as one of our heros.

Wes · « **Reply #41 on:** March 22, 2004, 05:50:25 pm »

Mark,
I just saw this thread for the first time, I'm sorry that I didnt get to send him a card. Please tell him thanks for me, and keep up the good work.

Wes

Norwiscutter · « **Reply #42 on:** March 24, 2004, 04:33:50 am »

Believe it or not, I had eye surgery at Landsthuel about 6 years ago. It is the largest military hospital outside of the U.S. and has some of the best doctors in the world. The primary doctors in the eye department when I was there were Lt. Colonels or better, so he can be confident that he got the best treatment available. Hope that he enjoys the rest of his trip and the eye heals up good as new.

News:

Author Topic: Do Sumptin For A Soldier - UPDATE (Read 2809 times)